What are Pediculicides?
Pediculicides are the pesticides used to eliminate head lice. Familiar over-the-counter brand names include: Rid, Nix, Pronto and Clear. These products contain insecticides (pyrethrin or permethrin) and should always be used with caution. Check with your pharmacist or doctor to determine which product is safe for your family. Never use these products if you are pregnant or nursing, or on infants under 6 months of age. Follow the directions exactly when using them. Misuse of these products i.e., leaving them on longer than the directions state or applying more treatments than specified by the manufacturer, puts children at risk for overexposure to chemical pesticides. Also, children with allergies may be at more risk for allergic reactions to pesticides. A prescription medication called Kwell should never be used. Kwell contains Lindane, a powerful neurotoxin and possibly carcinogenic pesticide, which can cause serious side effects including seizures and even death. Consumer Reports has
